After Your Hair Transplant, Use Sunscreen

Posted on June 22, 2016March 4, 2017

Following your hair transplant, the surface of your scalp will be very sensitive. So it will also be more vulnerable to the effects of sunlight. UV rays from the sun can have a detrimental impact on your skin. It’s possible for not only the surface of your scalp to be affected, but also the hair follicles as well.

Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier to prevent further complications after your hair transplant. Using sunscreens after a hair transplant should be done on a daily basis if you are outside. It’s also suggested that you cover your head with some type of hat for stronger protection.

If You Forget To Use Sunscreen

If you have fair skin, you may face the risk of getting sunburned from not using sunscreens after your hair transplant. The transferred follicles, however, become permanently embedded below the skin’s surface after about 9 days or so. Although sunlight can have negative consequences on the skin, and even deeper layers where the follicles reside, the effects of sunburn will most likely not be completely disastrous. Long term and ongoing sun exposure, however, can gradually undermine the health of the hair follicles and affect your new hair growth.

In terms of post op care after a hair transplant, the effects of the sun after even just one month following surgery can feel very uncomfortable. It is recommended that patients continue to use effective sun protection (i.e. lotion and hat) for the initial few months to prevent long term redness and discoloration.

Aloe Vera can offer soothing relief from sunburn on the scalp. But it would be best to have your doctor examine your scalp just to be sure.

Continued Sunscreen Use After Your Hair Transplant

The grafts from your hair restoration surgery will start to show growth at about four months. Continued improvements become more evident between 10 to 12 months up to 18 months following the procedure.

Twin studies have shown that prolonged exposure to sunlight can hasten the rate of hair shedding in those with a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness. Yet undergoing a hair restoration surgery does not make one immune from this phenomenon.

Modern sun protective products are available specifically for use on the head and formulated to avoid a greasy outcome and to protect the hair shafts as well as the scalp from UV rays.

Your hair transplant surgeon will provide you with recommended post-op dos and don’ts, so it’s best to follow the recommendations and give your hair transplant the best possible care.